Gaea’s Protector

Centuries ago when the Phyrexians invaded Dominaria, they were fought off by the combined power of all Dominaria's people. But key to fending off the Pyrexian invasion was the might of Gaea, the goddess of nature. By creating the Kavu and sending the archdruids to aid in the counter-defense, Gaea provided indispensable help. As payment for this help, Gaea took nothing, except the bodies of those Phyrexians that had fallen in her forest and jungles.   Conversion to Nature The Phyrexians which were killed during the invasion were more machine than organic creature, but some slim part of them still remained which Gaea could latch on to. Using this connection, Gaea converted the machines into elemental servants and defenders, guardian's which would roam her hallowed places to defend them further invasion, by man or machine. Though it took decades for the largest, Gaea now has a standing army of former-Phrexians, their armor, once black with soot and warpaint, now crusted green with moss and vines.   Ill at Ease Among Nature The oldest of these former Phyrexians, no simply called Protectors, have unthinkingly served Gaea's wishes for several centuries. Despite this, many of the woodland creatures they walk near still feel an unease when they pass, and even the most hardened druids are loathe to interact with them more than necessary. The shapes of the Protectors are still keenly reminiscent of their Phyrexian past, and an aura of menace hangs around each one. The magic which animates them is a mystery, even to Gaea's most fervent worshipers, leading many to a paranoia that they could turn at any moment, reigniting a war that passed ages ago.